Les Enluminures New York, Paris, Chicago presents “Cycles of Life: Rings from the Benjamin Zucker Family Collection,” an exhibition of over 40 exceptional museum-quality rings selected from the celebrated private collection of one of today’s world leading gem dealers, experts, and connoisseurs. Spanning from 3rd century A.D. through to the later part of the 19th century, the rings will be on public view together for the first time and for sale at Les Enluminures’ New York gallery from October 31 through December 6, 2014.
Organized around themes encompassing the cycles of life from birth to death, the vast array of styles on display will include:
- Signet rings ranging from the 3rd-17th centuries
- Ancient Roman friendship and engagement rings
- Medieval Posy rings
- Renaissance and Baroque wedding rings
- Jewish marriage rings from the 17th-19th centuries
- Memorial and Memento Mori rings from the 17th-19th centuries
Renowned for its breadth and depth in precious colored stones and diamonds, most of the Collection has been on loan to the Walters Art Museum since 1985. Celebrating the timeless allure of rings as symbols of power, prestige, passion, and personal identity, many of these superb selections boast sterling provenances, including: the de Clercqs, the Rothschilds, Dame Joan Evans, Ernest Guilhou, Ralph Harari, and Melvin Gutman.
About Benjamin Zucker
Benjamin Zucker is a third-generation gem merchant who specializes in precious colored stones including diamonds. He is also a collector of rings and art; a writer, and a philanthropist. With Diana Scarisbrick, he has recently published “Elihu Yale,” a biography (May 2014). He is also the author of “Gems and Jewels: A Connoisseur’s Guide” (2003), an invaluable guide to collecting. Over the years, he has owned some spectacular jewels, including the 141-carat Taj Mahal emerald, which in turn inspired one of his novels, “Green” (2004).
